After bowling India out for a below-par 316, England established a solid platform on day two. Here are highlights from a day dominated yet again by the incredibly consistent Alastair Cook.

Alastair Cook's century is his 23rd in Tests. He is now on top of the list of England batsmen with the most centuries in Tests. In the previous Test, Cook and Kevin Pietersen had gone level with the previous record of 22 centuries, jointly held by Wally Hammond, Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Boycott. Cook's century is also his third in the series. He is one of only five overseas batsmen to score three or more centuries in a series in India. Cook is also one of only 11 visiting batsmen to face over 1000 deliveries in a series in India.

Cook has now scored five centuries in his first five Tests as captain. Cook's century is also his seventh in the subcontinent, Among non-subcontinent batsmen, only Jacques Kallis has more centuries in the subcontinent (8). Cook's present aggregate in the series (493) is also the highest by an England captain in a series in India surpassing Ted Dexter's previous record of 409 runs in 1961. Overall, Cook's series aggregate is the fifth-highest for a visiting captain in India. Clive Lloyd holds the record with 636 runs in the 1974-75 series.

Cook also became the tenth England batsman to pass the 7000-run mark. He broke Sachin Tendulkar's record by becoming the youngest player to reach the landmark. Among the ten England players, only Cook and Hammond have a 50-plus average. Cook, who passed 7000 runs in his 151st innings, is the third-fastest England batsman to reach the mark after Hammond (131 innings) and Pietersen (150 innings).

For the first time since his tenth Test (against Australia in 2006), Cook's average rose above 50. In between, the lowest his average fell to (40.87) was in his 37th Test, against West Indies, in 2009.

Cook had a very even distribution of runs on the off side (70 runs) and leg side (66 runs). In contrast, he scored 57% and 63% of his runs on the leg side during his centuries in Ahmedabad and Mumbai respectively. Of his 19 fours in the innings, nine were scored behind square. He scored the most runs (50) off Ashwin followed by Zaheer Khan (39 runs). His highest scoring rate (3.96) came off the bowling of Zaheer followed by Ojha (3.60).

Nick Compton scored his maiden half-century in his third Test. The 165-run stand between Cook and Compton is the sixth-highest opening partnership for England in Tests against India and the second-highest for England in India. Since 2000, England hold the record for the most centuries (7) by opening batsmen in Tests in India.

Among Indian venues, Eden Gardens holds the record for the most centuries scored in Tests played since 2000 (31 centuries). Ahmedabad is a distant second with 23 centuries. Fifteen of the 31 centuries in Kolkata have been scored by visiting batsmen.

In his last four innings, R Ashwin has picked up three wickets and conceded 346 runs (average 115.33). However, in 16 innings prior to the second innings in Ahmedabad, Ashwin picked up 52 wickets at an average of 26.63.

So we are back to the Pakistan and South Africa series never happening, it appears. England would do well to notice that they have just won a battle of the minnows, with the real top two teams just completed a compelling and much more highly skilled contest in Australia. The real English fans already know this though and are terrified about the upcoming Ashes series.

mcsdl
on December 7, 2012, 21:10 GMT

Indians are being the worst cricket team for the past year and half... Even Bangladesh and Kiwis done better...! Most embbarrasing thing is after losing 4-0 in England when it comes to revenge time they are still getiing humiliated in their own rank turners by this ordinary English team..! This series will Endup 3-1 to England. And both these teams are miles behind the likes of South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka and even Pakistan...!

Khalid_M_Shah
on December 7, 2012, 3:57 GMT

Cooks best act was to bring back KP with open arms. I have not been a fan of the English team but the duo of Cook and KP, on present form, both appear to be headed to become members of the 10000 run club and they will carry the England batting for quite a few years to come.

OhhhhhMattyMatty
on December 6, 2012, 18:36 GMT

For a team that can't play spin, this could be the 3rd Indian spin bowler whose Test career has been ended by England in the last 18 months. First it was chubby leg roller Amit Mishra, then the Onion Bhaji himself and finally and most emphatically Robert Ashwin. Utter domination!

slasaus
on December 6, 2012, 18:11 GMT

@Lmaotsetung KP was full of praise for Cook last match and moreover, like the commentators said, i also believe he respects Cook. Dont forget Cook played a roll in bringing him back.

@maximum6 "wonder who wants him dropped now!" hehe indeed! Ive followed Cook since the first time i saw him (must be the summer after his debut in India) with special interest and the innings against Pak, when his place was in jeopardy was top class. Mind u Amir and Asif were swinging the ball around corners that summer. I reckon if he wasnt an opener in England he would have averaged 60 instead of 50 right now. Pure class! Btw Im not English, just a Dutch ex cricketer who could watch the England summer on BBC on tellie in Holland in the eighties. Ive never seen a better batsman playing for England.

on December 6, 2012, 17:48 GMT

KP loves batting for England. He says it all the time, and if he didn't, why is he working so hard to get back in the team? He could happily make friends only in the IPL but he doesn't. I think he wants to contribute and I wanna watch him play. KP genuinely makes me sit and stare at the screen. Its great, particularly when he's on fire. Who watches the IPL and remembers his match winning hundred for the Dehli Daredevils? I sure do

InsideHedge
on December 6, 2012, 16:40 GMT

R Ashwin's bowling figures have exposed him for what he actually is - a talented batsman who can bowl occasionally. He should now seriously consider re-modelling himself. The figures in his first 10 Tests are a reflection of how poor West Indies and NZ are against spin bowling.

Finally, Cook's batting is rock solid, congrats to him on behalf of all Indian fans. He's also done wel (as a captain)l in quickly mending fences with KP and getting him back into the team asap. Most Eng fans have already forgotten the summer's controversies.

TRAM
on December 6, 2012, 15:21 GMT

The same pitch the SRT/Dravid/VVS of last decade would have piled up 600+ runs in the 1st innings. Today SRT is old and there is no other batsmen of that caliber. That is the truth. Instead, people are blaming the Indian bowlers. India never had good bowlers or fielders. India won the matches only by her batting strength. Now, he fact is these are Indian batting conditions and the batsmen are failing miserably. Selectors, dont try to meddle with only bowlers in the team selection. Remove the oldies and bring youngsters in BATTING. And remove all IPL stars from the Test/ODI teams.

SKC412
on December 6, 2012, 14:26 GMT

Seeing the way Ashwin is being treated, Harbhajan might not have to wait too long to earn his 100th cap. I really thought this was a genuine wicket taker seeing his hauls against NZ and Windies. Now that he has started facing quality opposition, we are being faced with the harsh reality : (

2.14istherunrate
on December 6, 2012, 13:48 GMT

Obviously captaincy especially out east is affecting Cook's batting. I hope he really turns the screws on this his record beating 23rd.I wonder who wants him dropped now! The Indian team I suspect. What a winner!!

RandyOZ
on December 9, 2012, 14:29 GMT

So we are back to the Pakistan and South Africa series never happening, it appears. England would do well to notice that they have just won a battle of the minnows, with the real top two teams just completed a compelling and much more highly skilled contest in Australia. The real English fans already know this though and are terrified about the upcoming Ashes series.

mcsdl
on December 7, 2012, 21:10 GMT

Indians are being the worst cricket team for the past year and half... Even Bangladesh and Kiwis done better...! Most embbarrasing thing is after losing 4-0 in England when it comes to revenge time they are still getiing humiliated in their own rank turners by this ordinary English team..! This series will Endup 3-1 to England. And both these teams are miles behind the likes of South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka and even Pakistan...!

Khalid_M_Shah
on December 7, 2012, 3:57 GMT

Cooks best act was to bring back KP with open arms. I have not been a fan of the English team but the duo of Cook and KP, on present form, both appear to be headed to become members of the 10000 run club and they will carry the England batting for quite a few years to come.

OhhhhhMattyMatty
on December 6, 2012, 18:36 GMT

For a team that can't play spin, this could be the 3rd Indian spin bowler whose Test career has been ended by England in the last 18 months. First it was chubby leg roller Amit Mishra, then the Onion Bhaji himself and finally and most emphatically Robert Ashwin. Utter domination!

slasaus
on December 6, 2012, 18:11 GMT

@Lmaotsetung KP was full of praise for Cook last match and moreover, like the commentators said, i also believe he respects Cook. Dont forget Cook played a roll in bringing him back.

@maximum6 "wonder who wants him dropped now!" hehe indeed! Ive followed Cook since the first time i saw him (must be the summer after his debut in India) with special interest and the innings against Pak, when his place was in jeopardy was top class. Mind u Amir and Asif were swinging the ball around corners that summer. I reckon if he wasnt an opener in England he would have averaged 60 instead of 50 right now. Pure class! Btw Im not English, just a Dutch ex cricketer who could watch the England summer on BBC on tellie in Holland in the eighties. Ive never seen a better batsman playing for England.

on December 6, 2012, 17:48 GMT

KP loves batting for England. He says it all the time, and if he didn't, why is he working so hard to get back in the team? He could happily make friends only in the IPL but he doesn't. I think he wants to contribute and I wanna watch him play. KP genuinely makes me sit and stare at the screen. Its great, particularly when he's on fire. Who watches the IPL and remembers his match winning hundred for the Dehli Daredevils? I sure do

InsideHedge
on December 6, 2012, 16:40 GMT

R Ashwin's bowling figures have exposed him for what he actually is - a talented batsman who can bowl occasionally. He should now seriously consider re-modelling himself. The figures in his first 10 Tests are a reflection of how poor West Indies and NZ are against spin bowling.

Finally, Cook's batting is rock solid, congrats to him on behalf of all Indian fans. He's also done wel (as a captain)l in quickly mending fences with KP and getting him back into the team asap. Most Eng fans have already forgotten the summer's controversies.

TRAM
on December 6, 2012, 15:21 GMT

The same pitch the SRT/Dravid/VVS of last decade would have piled up 600+ runs in the 1st innings. Today SRT is old and there is no other batsmen of that caliber. That is the truth. Instead, people are blaming the Indian bowlers. India never had good bowlers or fielders. India won the matches only by her batting strength. Now, he fact is these are Indian batting conditions and the batsmen are failing miserably. Selectors, dont try to meddle with only bowlers in the team selection. Remove the oldies and bring youngsters in BATTING. And remove all IPL stars from the Test/ODI teams.

SKC412
on December 6, 2012, 14:26 GMT

Seeing the way Ashwin is being treated, Harbhajan might not have to wait too long to earn his 100th cap. I really thought this was a genuine wicket taker seeing his hauls against NZ and Windies. Now that he has started facing quality opposition, we are being faced with the harsh reality : (

2.14istherunrate
on December 6, 2012, 13:48 GMT

Obviously captaincy especially out east is affecting Cook's batting. I hope he really turns the screws on this his record beating 23rd.I wonder who wants him dropped now! The Indian team I suspect. What a winner!!

Lmaotsetung
on December 6, 2012, 12:43 GMT

I'm hoping that this will spur KP on to match Cook for most test centuries but unfortunately I'm pretty sure it will have the opposite effect. Now that Cook has gotten to 23 first and probably well on his way to break Goochie's record as well as being regarded as England's greatest, I'm afraid KP might lose interest and move on to the IPL for good...just a feeling I have..nothing more.

No featured comments at the moment.

Lmaotsetung
on December 6, 2012, 12:43 GMT

I'm hoping that this will spur KP on to match Cook for most test centuries but unfortunately I'm pretty sure it will have the opposite effect. Now that Cook has gotten to 23 first and probably well on his way to break Goochie's record as well as being regarded as England's greatest, I'm afraid KP might lose interest and move on to the IPL for good...just a feeling I have..nothing more.

2.14istherunrate
on December 6, 2012, 13:48 GMT

Obviously captaincy especially out east is affecting Cook's batting. I hope he really turns the screws on this his record beating 23rd.I wonder who wants him dropped now! The Indian team I suspect. What a winner!!

SKC412
on December 6, 2012, 14:26 GMT

Seeing the way Ashwin is being treated, Harbhajan might not have to wait too long to earn his 100th cap. I really thought this was a genuine wicket taker seeing his hauls against NZ and Windies. Now that he has started facing quality opposition, we are being faced with the harsh reality : (

TRAM
on December 6, 2012, 15:21 GMT

The same pitch the SRT/Dravid/VVS of last decade would have piled up 600+ runs in the 1st innings. Today SRT is old and there is no other batsmen of that caliber. That is the truth. Instead, people are blaming the Indian bowlers. India never had good bowlers or fielders. India won the matches only by her batting strength. Now, he fact is these are Indian batting conditions and the batsmen are failing miserably. Selectors, dont try to meddle with only bowlers in the team selection. Remove the oldies and bring youngsters in BATTING. And remove all IPL stars from the Test/ODI teams.

InsideHedge
on December 6, 2012, 16:40 GMT

R Ashwin's bowling figures have exposed him for what he actually is - a talented batsman who can bowl occasionally. He should now seriously consider re-modelling himself. The figures in his first 10 Tests are a reflection of how poor West Indies and NZ are against spin bowling.

Finally, Cook's batting is rock solid, congrats to him on behalf of all Indian fans. He's also done wel (as a captain)l in quickly mending fences with KP and getting him back into the team asap. Most Eng fans have already forgotten the summer's controversies.

on December 6, 2012, 17:48 GMT

KP loves batting for England. He says it all the time, and if he didn't, why is he working so hard to get back in the team? He could happily make friends only in the IPL but he doesn't. I think he wants to contribute and I wanna watch him play. KP genuinely makes me sit and stare at the screen. Its great, particularly when he's on fire. Who watches the IPL and remembers his match winning hundred for the Dehli Daredevils? I sure do

slasaus
on December 6, 2012, 18:11 GMT

@Lmaotsetung KP was full of praise for Cook last match and moreover, like the commentators said, i also believe he respects Cook. Dont forget Cook played a roll in bringing him back.

@maximum6 "wonder who wants him dropped now!" hehe indeed! Ive followed Cook since the first time i saw him (must be the summer after his debut in India) with special interest and the innings against Pak, when his place was in jeopardy was top class. Mind u Amir and Asif were swinging the ball around corners that summer. I reckon if he wasnt an opener in England he would have averaged 60 instead of 50 right now. Pure class! Btw Im not English, just a Dutch ex cricketer who could watch the England summer on BBC on tellie in Holland in the eighties. Ive never seen a better batsman playing for England.

OhhhhhMattyMatty
on December 6, 2012, 18:36 GMT

For a team that can't play spin, this could be the 3rd Indian spin bowler whose Test career has been ended by England in the last 18 months. First it was chubby leg roller Amit Mishra, then the Onion Bhaji himself and finally and most emphatically Robert Ashwin. Utter domination!

Khalid_M_Shah
on December 7, 2012, 3:57 GMT

Cooks best act was to bring back KP with open arms. I have not been a fan of the English team but the duo of Cook and KP, on present form, both appear to be headed to become members of the 10000 run club and they will carry the England batting for quite a few years to come.

mcsdl
on December 7, 2012, 21:10 GMT

Indians are being the worst cricket team for the past year and half... Even Bangladesh and Kiwis done better...! Most embbarrasing thing is after losing 4-0 in England when it comes to revenge time they are still getiing humiliated in their own rank turners by this ordinary English team..! This series will Endup 3-1 to England. And both these teams are miles behind the likes of South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka and even Pakistan...!